With the cream of South Africa’s U15 football talent gathering at Sturrock Park, the stage was set for a weekend of top-level football action in the National Schools Football Championships. The intensity was palpable as teams from all nine provinces battled fiercely for the coveted title of National Champions. When the dust settled, it was the Gauteng U15 Boys and Girls who stood tall, marching into their respective finals with determination and skill.
In the Boys’ final, Gauteng faced off against a formidable KwaZulu-Natal side that had proven to be worthy opponents throughout the tournament. The match, a clash of titans eager to claim the championship, kicked off with a bang. Less than three minutes in, Gauteng’s Aphelele Majola capitalized on a moment of defensive confusion by KZN, slotting home a well-placed goal that set the tone for the match. Majola, originally from KZN, showed his familiarity with breaking down even the most robust defenses.
Despite KZN’s valiant efforts to claw back into the game, they struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Gauteng defense. Gauteng, who went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, ultimately emerged as the Boys’ U15 National Champions. Their dominance on the pitch was clear, and they could have easily added more to their tally with the chances they created. Winning coach Selekedi Mogale praised his team’s talent, noting, “This is their first taste of high-performance football. If some don’t get selected, it’s not over. There’s still U17, U20, and I hope this experience makes them better footballers and better human beings because they’ve seen a different level. I hope they keep going until it comes right.”
The Girls’ U15 final mirrored the Boys’, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal clashing once again. KZN entered the match as favorites, with their star striker Okuhle Sithole wreaking havoc on defenders all weekend. However, it was Gauteng’s Ritabele Molefe who stole the show, hammering home a stunning long-range effort against the run of play to give her team the lead. Despite KZN’s relentless pressure, Gauteng held firm, securing the victory and the championship.
As the tournament came to a close and the final whistle blew, it was clear that school football was the ultimate winner. The talent on display was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the teams. Many players now have the chance to represent South Africa at the CAF African Schools Championships in Namibia next month, a dream come true for these young stars.
A huge congratulations to SAFA, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for organizing this incredible showcase of youth football talent. The future of South African football looks brighter than ever!
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Top Goalscorer of the Tournament:
* Girls – Obuhle Sithole (KZN) 7 goals
* Boys – Banele Mvelase (KZN) & Omphemetsi Sekgoto (Gauteng) 3 goals each
Coach of the Tournament:
* Girls – Octavia Matsha (Gauteng)
* Boys – Sikekedi Mohale (Gauteng)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament:
* Girls – Eaglet Maonola (Limpopo)
* Boys – Aiden February (Western Cape)
Player of the Tournament:
* Girls – Nomfundo Nzuza (KZN)
* Boys – Ontlametse Modisane (Gauteng)
Teams Awards
Fair Play Awards – Gauteng (Boys) & KZN (Girls)
Plate Winners – NW (Girls) & Limpopo (Boys)
Medals
Bronze – WC (Girls) & Mpumalanga (Boys)
Silver Medals- KZN (Boys & Girls)
Gold & Trophy – Gauteng (Girls & Boys)
